Greetings, SOS Community!
Can you believe the election is only ten days away? Have you cast your ballot already? We believe it is a privilege and a responsibility to participate in our democracy by voting if you are eligible to do so. That’s why we delivered over 1,500 Voter Registration Packets and more than 1,800 Voter Ballot Information Guides to our senior clients (thanks, League of Women Voters!).
But we know it can be challenging to keep up with the changing circumstances of the electoral process, year to year, state to state. Throw in a global pandemic and it's no surprise that folks may feel discouraged.
As your favorite local nonprofit, we hear you and we are here for you. Here are a few tips and resources to help to make getting your vote cast and your voice heard as painless as possible:
Am I registered? Check HERE to find out.
Oh no, I missed the 10/19 registration deadline! You may still be able to vote through Same Day or Conditional Voter Registration all the way up to Election Day. Find out how HERE.
Where do I vote? At home! On May 8, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-64-20, ordering the November 3rd General Election to be conducted as an all-mail ballot election. You should have received your mail-in ballot by now.
I am registered to vote in Alameda County, but I haven't received my mail-in ballot, or, my ballot was damaged or lost. Request a new one HERE or pick one up next day by requesting "ballot will call" HERE.
I filled out my ballot. Now what? You have a few choices.
Return by mail. No postage required. It must be postmarked on or before Election Day.
Return in person — to any 24-hour drop-box listed HERE, any drive-through ballot drop stop listed HERE, or any polling place in Alameda County before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Authorize someone to submit it on your behalf by filling out the authorization section on the outside of the ballot envelope.
What if I need or want to vote in person? You can! Find your polling place on the back of your ballot book or by calling the toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). Don't forget to wear a mask and observe social distancing.
How can I be sure my mail-in-ballot goes where it's supposed to? Track your ballot online with a ballot-tracking tool HERE.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, stay healthy.
Charlie Deterline, Executive Director